Second Visit to Northeast China: Snow Valley to Snow Town Free Travel

If February is for Hainan and March for Jiangnan, then December is the season for the North.

Every year, snow starts in November and lasts until the New Year. Harbin, the Ice City, begins its reign across the northern latitudes.

Ice and snow are Harbin’s calling cards.

Ice is in Harbin; snow is in Snow Valley and Snow Town.

The most classic three-day itinerary is Harbin – Snow Valley – Snow Town. Grand ice and snow, vast countryside, expansive snowy plains, rich folk customs, large platters of food, and great outdoor activities—all on this route.

If you want to shoot great vlogs, capture stunning photos to dominate your social feed, eat cheap and authentic large dishes, and experience skiing and other attractions at the lowest cost, trust me on this route.

The post-pandemic era has begun. After being grounded for over three years, I can finally embark on a snow-seeking journey to the Northeast again.

Day 1: Land and turn on your phone. Check into a hotel on Central Street. I won’t recommend specific ones—chain hotels are more reliable. (Be sure to stay near Central Street for easy access to transportation and nearby attractions!!!) If you have time, walk to Central Street (try the Matilda ice cream!!!), St. Sophia Cathedral, and see the plump pigeons. (Walking is enough.)

In the evening, you can eat at a Russian restaurant or have barbecue. Harbin’s barbecue is very authentic. This year’s hottest item is “big oil edge” (don’t ask what it is, just eat it. Try one first, or you won’t be able to eat anything else.)

Ice and Snow World—it’s said this year’s setup is impressive. You can take a taxi there as soon as it gets dark. I recommend booking a small tour group that provides pickup and drop-off. (It’s extremely cold inside—wear as many layers as you can!!!)

Day 2: Wake up at 6 a.m., gather on Central Street in Harbin, and take a shared ride directly to Snow Valley. (The shared ride was arranged and recommended by Xiangsi Snow Valley Inn in advance—very convenient and with insurance!!!) The only downside is it’s a bit early.

Around noon, you’ll arrive at Snow Valley, specifically the Snow Valley in Dongsheng Forest Farm. My suggestion is to eat immediately because you’ll spend the entire afternoon at the amusement park with unlimited time. Don’t waste time—eat early, go early, and enjoy skiing, snow tubing, and the octopus carousel freely. Beginners should try skiing—it’s not expensive and has no time limit.

Families with children can stay a few extra days. Ask the innkeeper quietly to negotiate a discount, and the next day might even be free.

The inn I stayed at, Xiangsi Snow Valley Inn, had a very hospitable host, Mother Cui. She helped arrange transportation and prepared a delicious dinner. Her inn was actually the cheapest accommodation of the entire trip. Great value for money—thumbs up!!! No more to say.

In the evening, the square’s light show is nice. Local mountain products are also good value. Overall, businesses in Snow Valley are very honest. If you’re lucky, there will be a bonfire party—make sure to join in the dancing.

Cute little dogs.

I slept deeply and warmly at night, feeling very comfortable.

Day 3: From 7 to 8 a.m., it’s time to cross over to Snow Town. Follow the main group and hike 15 kilometers. Knowing I’m not strong, I booked a horse-drawn cart in advance. The jingling ride went smoothly.

Let me mention luggage: Have the innkeeper forward your luggage to Snow Town the day before, and pick it up at the gate of Snow Town. Outside vehicles can’t enter, so you’ll need to pay for luggage storage.

The trek from Snow Valley to Snow Town is absolutely stunning. The remote forest is beautiful. I recommend keeping a power bank inside your coat near your chest, with the cable connected to your phone, so it won’t freeze and shut down. (Smart.)

The horses are very strong.

Arrive at Snow Town at noon. Along the way, you can take a snowmobile. If you’re not fit, try it—it’s quite fast and thrilling.

Check into Snow Town at noon. Let me describe the night scene: three words—Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

Glistening lights, colorful brilliance, exquisite craftsmanship, natural perfection—like Alice in Wonderland. The night scene is stunning. Just take photos; only a bad phone can ruin them, not a bad shot. Check in and share on social media.

In the evening, you can eat at the inn. The inns here are relatively cheap, not as exaggerated as online rumors. Prices are clearly marked—so it seems law and order prevail.

Last day: Get up in the morning, pack your luggage, and around 9 a.m. or 11 a.m., take a shared ride from Snow Town to Harbin. (You can book the ride with the same driver who brought you or ask the innkeepers in Snow Valley and Snow Town—make sure to book in advance.)

Arrive in Harbin in the afternoon. If you leave the same day, book a flight after 9 p.m. If you leave the next day, you can also go to Laodaowai for some Northeast specialties: three treasures and crispy pork slices are must-orders. For two people, that’s enough. Don’t waste food!

That’s my complete travel guide. Personally, I think it covers food, accommodation, transportation, activities, and fun—leaving no regrets or gaps in this ice and snow journey.

I ate sugar-coated hawthorns.

I rode a horse-drawn sled.

I showed off on social media.